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Shelling heard in Damascus, armed opposition moving around Damascus — witnesses

"Nothing has been said on television so far, but everyone has seen the video with statements by the premier on readiness to transfer ministries peacefully," he added

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Intense sounds of shooting were heard in Damascus as the units of armed opposition were moving along the central streets of the city, witnesses told TASS over the phone.

"Loud sounds of shooting are currently heard on the streets, the opposition is in the city, it is moving, lots of people are on the streets. It appears that fires are made into the air, there are no civilian casualties," one of the witnesses said.

"Nothing has been said on television so far, but everyone has seen the video with statements by the premier on readiness to transfer ministries peacefully," he added.

Earlier, head of Syria’s present government Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness to transfer power in the republic in a peaceful way in a video address released on his page on Facebook (social media site banned in Russia due to its ownership by Meta, which is designated as extremist in Russia) after Syrian militants entered Damascus.

China able to diverge from Trump in trade war

Donald Trump will resume high duties on Chinese products during his second term in office, which will lead to a new round of the trade war between China and the United States, Wu Xinbo said

Restrictions on operation of Russia’s Ulyanovsk, Kazan airports lifted

The temporary restrictions were introduced to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, the Federal Air Transport noted

Mechel agrees on postponement of payments on part of principal to 2027-2030

Gazprombank and VTB are Mechel’s main creditors

Trump's main task will be to develop stable relations with Russia and China — expert

According to the expert, the highest task of American foreign policy in the coming years is to establish a sustainable, responsible framework for engaging and competing with the world's other two great powers

Nigeria’s joining BRICS highlights movement away from monocentric world — trade envoy

"Today BRICS is an alternative to neocolonialism principles being promoted by our so-called Western 'partners' through the system of oppressive debts from the IMF and the World Bank," Maxim Petrov said

Bank of Russia lowers dollar rate to 101.96 rubles for January 21

The official euro rate was increased to 105.05 rubles

Trump will order to review trade relations with China, Canada and Mexico — WSJ

The memorandum offers a plan for possible further action, which may include duties and other measures

Trump’s new term unlikely to bring US-Russia ties back to normal — former US official

According to James Carden, Donald Trump staffed his national security apparatus with some neoconservative retreads, who advocate of military intervention

EC recognizes Russian gas continues coming to EU market

The European Commission will unveil in the near time a new strategy aimed at completely removing Russian energy resources from the EU, EC spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said

FACTBOX: Attempted UAV attack on enterprises in Kazan

All UAVs were neutralized due to a set of defense measures

New fire breaks out at Voronezh oil depot after Ukrainian drone crashed

According to governor Alexander Gusev, air defense forces destroyed several UAVs

Trump prioritizes settlement in Ukraine — Lavrov

"They make it clear that they understand certain aspects of Russia's position, such as the unacceptability of Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Alliance," the Russian foreign minister noted

Trump vows new duties on foreign goods

The US President stressed that he would overhaul the trade system to protect American workers and families

Trump vows to begin largest deportation operation in US history 'very soon'

It will be "even bigger than what President Dwight Eisenhower, who has the record, had," US president-elect said

Houthis say stopped attacking Israel, commercial ships except Israel’s

Attacks on Israeli ships will be terminated "after all the stages of the Gaza ceasefire deal are fully implemented," movement’s deputy speaker Nasreddin Amer stressed

Ukrainian army destroys Belitskaya mine in DPR while retreating — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that the Ukrainian military is causing damage to hinder Russian authorities from restoring enterprises

Ukraine targets civilians amid fears of shift in US policy — Russian senator

According to Igor Kastyukevich, as the new US president’s inauguration draws near, the Ukrainian military is becoming more calculated with its strikes on civilians and civilian facilities

Russia’s air defense forces destroy 18 UAVs over Bryansk region

At the same time, Russia’s air defense shot down and suppressed 12 UAVs over the Rostov Region overnight

EU crazy if it thinks its troops can march on Red Square — Hungarian PM

According to Viktor Orban, the EU has already found itself on the losing side due to its strategy of supporting military action in Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia

Trump says he intends to meet with Putin

US president did not give any specific dates

Verkhovna Rada deputy says Ukraine already illegally mobilizing 18-year-olds

Earlier, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Sergey Melnik stated that starting in September of this year, Ukrainian students would be obliged to complete basic military training and take an oath of service

Lavrov says it is no use trying to guess Trump's policies, Russia is ready for dialogue

According to the top Russian diplomat, "it is necessary to have serious proposals from those of our colleagues who once froze relations with Russia"

Press review: Iranian leader’s Moscow visit alarms Tehran's foes as Trump plans China trip

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 20th

Russia open to communication with US over Ukraine conflict — Putin

According to the Russian leader, the most important thing is to eliminate the root causes of the crisis

Russian diplomat hails ceasefire in Gaza as step toward lasting settlement

Vasily Nebenzya recalled that all UN Security Council’s attempts to pass resolutions were blocked by the United States

Sanctions against Georgia result of not opening 'second front' against Russia — politician

Kakha Kaladze stressed that his country is not afraid of sanctions and blackmail and will not be bullied into doing something that goes against its interests

US Senate confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

He represents the state of Florida in the upper chamber of Congress

Trump to sign executive order renaming Gulf of Mexico

According to sources, Donald Trump will sign over 200 executive orders after his January 20 inauguration

Biden acts to protect Trump foes with last-minute pardons

Those pardoned include former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, former US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Anthony Fauci

Russian forces liberate Zeleny Gai settlement near Kupyansk — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian soldiers remaining in Zeleny Gai abandoned their positions and fled in the direction of Borovskaya Andreevka

Trump may tighten sanctions on Russia due to complexity of talks on Ukraine — expert

"The fact is that as soon as the Trump administration comes to the conclusion that the negotiations will be very difficult and that Russia has its own position," Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics Dmitry Suslov said

Zelensky’s intention to terminate transit of oil from Russia will hit Europe

On January 1, transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine was completely stopped due to Kiev's refusal to extend a previous agreement

Zelensky sets unrealistic goals for the West in hopes of disrupting talks — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk noted that Zelensky did not represent any force because he "has made the state of Ukraine fully dependent on the collective West"

Trump revokes Biden’s move to delist Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism

Upon his inauguration on Monday, Donald Trump annulled 78 measures introduced by the previous administration, including Joe Biden’s last-minute move of a week ago to revisit Cuba’s status

Trump announces dismissals of hundreds of Biden’s appointees

Earlier, The Washington Post reported, citing sources, that the Trump team demanded the resignation of numerous career US Department of State diplomats

Vegetable products exports to China from Altai Region up 34% in 2024

Regional products were exported to 45 countries

Trump praising Ovechkin not signal to Russia — Peskov

During a rally of the newly-elected US president’s supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington on Sunday, Trump called Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin "a great player"

Ukraine’s General Staff reports tense situation along entire frontline

Ukrainian commanders of various ranks have been describing the frontline situation as very complex lately

Germans more pessimistic about country than any time in past decade — poll

Only 18% of those polled said that they think that Germany is on the right path

Ukrainian nation possible only as part of Russia — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that, from the outset, the goals of the special military operation had been the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine

Russian forces seek to trap Ukrainian troops near Novoyegorovka in ‘killzone’ — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian battlegroup has already found itself in a very difficult position but Ukrainian soldiers still have time "to catch the last train"

US support of Israel’s Gaza operation deals blow to its clout in Middle East — report

The outgoing US President Joe Biden’s administration "failed to safeguard even Palestinians’ most basic rights," the Foreign Affairs magazine said

Much depends on US steps, including settlement in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that many members of US President-elect Donald Trump's team had repeatedly commented on the situation in the Middle East and the Ukrainian crisis

FACTBOX: Ukraine, Trump, Middle East on agenda as Putin sits down with Security Council

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the meeting with a report

Russia to develop anti-drone shrapnel ammunition

ertain positive results have been achieved but the moment when the ammunition may be authorized for official use is still far ahead

Lavrov points to mass speculations in world media ahead of Trump's inauguration

According to the foreign minister, in parallel with the preparations for the ceremony, analysis and predictions are growing as to how it will affect various conflicts in various regions of the world

Lavrov, Armenian Foreign Minister to discuss EAEU cooperation, bilateral relations

Special attention will be paid to the situation in the South Caucasus, with an emphasis on achieving normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Trump’s team prepares sanctions against Zelensky’s entourage — Ukrainian reporter

According to Diana Panchenko, these measures mark the beginning of the end for the "era of impunity" for Vladimir Zelensky

Department of Government Efficiency to operate within US government — TV

US President Donald Trump said earlier that the department would provide "advice and guidance from outside of government" in order "to drive large-scale structural reform"

Rejecting talks with Russia may be disastrous for Ukraine — media portal

Bethany Elliott noted that US President-elect Donald Trump’s administration may decide against toughening energy sanctions against Russia "for fear of pushing Moscow closer to Beijing"

Ukrainian commander-in-chief admits Kiev unable to intercept Oreshnik hypersonic missile

Oreshnik has a guaranteed capability to hit any target at a range of up to 5,000 kilometers, leaving no chance to an adversary of intercepting it

Early voting for presidential elections begins in Belarus

Five candidates are vying for the post of head of state

Putin holds Security Council meeting first time on day of US president's inauguration

The Russian president congratulated Donald Trump on taking office and said that Moscow welcomed the new US administration's attitude to restoring direct contacts with Russia and to preventing a third world war

Kiev announces decline in gas stocks after Russian attack on storage facility

According to the former energy minister, the total amount of natural gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities is 8.9 billion cubic meters

Saudi Arabia is still assessing invitation to join BRICS — Bloomberg

"The kingdom is always focusing on fostering more global dialogue," the country’s minister on Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim said in an interview

Three fighters of Buran detachment held off attack by 22 Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region

The wounded managed to retreat to a point in the rear where they were picked up by an evacuation team

NATO’s Rutte tries to make everything Russian 'bogeyman' for EU, Slovak official says

Tibor Gaspar pointed out that the Russian-Slovak relations focus on, first and foremost, "economic cooperation, development of ties in cultural and sports areas based on the principle of equals"

Kiev blocks Russian aircraft from aiding in US fire response — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova also noted a similar pattern during the Aventa-M ventilator shipment from Russia at the height of the pandemic

Trump can declare national emergency in the US — television

The announcement can be either a symbolic one or may be accompanied by real action, including cancellation of environmental norms and expedited implementation of energy projects, experts said

Russia tears up deals that allowed Japan to set up centers for assisting Russian reforms

Mishustin, in his decree, directed the Russian Foreign Ministry to notify Japan about the measure

Russian budget deficit provisionally totaled $34.5 bln in 2024 — Finance Ministry

Expenses stood at 40.192 trillion rubles

Panama Canal to remain under Panama’s control — president

According to Jose Raul Mulino,the canal was not a 'concession to anyone'

Ukraine’s army lacks strength to hold Krasnoarmeisk in Donbass area — ex-military officer

Igor Romanenko also highlighted that the situation in the Pokrovsk area "is indeed, difficult and is deteriorating"

Hungarian PM says EU 'needs to sober up,' face its problems

While the European Union struggles to compete with the United States and Asian countries, its leadership is seeking more authority and power in its hands, Viktor Orban said

Russia congratulates Trump on assuming office — Putin

Donald Trump's inauguration will take place at noon local time

Trump directs aides to arrange phone call with Putin

According to the broadcaster, one goal of the conversation will be "to discuss an in-person meeting in the coming months" to try to end the conflict in Ukraine

Trump reverses 78 Biden-era orders

Following the signing, the US leader threw the pens he had used to sign the papers at the crowd, the media reported

Ukrainian forces attempt to evacuate from Velikaya Novosyolka — security services

Moreover, one group of Ukrainian servicemen is trapped inside the settlement

Moscow waits for apologies from those accusing it of submarine cable sabotage — MFA

Maria Zakharova drew attention to an article saying that "ruptures of undersea cables were likely the result of maritime accidents"

Local authorities unaware of Trump’s plans to relocate Gaza Strip residents to Indonesia

The media noted that Indonesia "has been vocal about its Palestinian support"

Turkey’s ties with US won’t improve under Trump, but dialogue will become easier — expert

According to political scientist and economist Aydin Sezer, the issue of Syria and the Syrian Kurds will remain a serious problem

Trump's desire to improve ties with Russia, solve issues with China is important — expert

Chairwoman of The Schiller Institute Helga Zepp-LaRouche noted that US president said that he would work to avoid World War Three

Hamas counts on Russia’s support for Israeli compliance with Gaza ceasefire — spokesman

"We have always considered Russia’s role as positive, effective and supportive in the Palestinian issue that can help in efforts toward the realization of Palestinian rights," Al Qadoumi emphasized

US unable to resolve Ukraine conflict in short term, Chinese expert says

According to Zheng Renyi, the US and NATO are unreliable as mediators because they are deeply involved in the conflict

Iran to withdraw from NPT if UN Security Council anti-Iran sanctions restored — MFA

The JCPOA includes a so-called snapback mechanism, by which the signatories can restore UN Security Council sanctions against Iran, if the country fails to implement agreements to reduce its nuclear program after October 2025, which is currently impossible, because the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement

Erdogan going to discuss Russian gas supplies to Slovakia with Putin

The Turkish leader expressed hope to hold telephone talks with the Russian President this week

Hamas reiterates release of second group of hostages on January 25

It did not say however how many of them will be freed

BRICS does not give consideration to Trump’s threats to impose 100% duties — Russian envoy

Moscow expects Jakarta, which joined the group as a full-fledged member not long ago, to take a similar position, Sergey Tolchenov added

Chechnya head reports destruction of Ukrainian manpower, equipment in Kharkov direction

Ramzan Kadyrov noted that aerial reconnaissance had identified the location of the mortar and the concentration of enemy personnel

Russia's top prosecutor reveals startling new details about 1918 Romanov family execution

According to Igor Krasnov, members of the royal family did not die immediately because they had diamonds and jewelry sewn into their clothes, and the bullets ricocheted off

Potential US military intervention in Panama under Trump to lead to occupation — newspaper

Donald Trump said earlier that Washington needed to retain control over the Panama Canal

Exit of Baltic states from BRELL energy systems not affecting Belarusian consumers

The decision to withdraw "is purely political in nature," the press service noted

Russia to assist Nigeria in BRICS in agriculture, oil and gas sectors — trade envoy

On January 18, Nigeria joined BRICS as its partner country

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 220 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Trump signs off on first decrees as president, as he appoints members of administration

The orders concerned, among other things, appointments of acting heads of various government agencies

Trump will ensure step-by-step normalization of US-Russia relations — expert

US president "knows the strength and power of the country and Russia’s influence in the world," Bill Boerum said

Trump’s team not engaging in dialogue with Ukrainian politicians — lawmaker

Alexander Dubinsky branded the Ukrainian politicians as a "gang of traitors," emphasizing that they repeatedly attempted to meddle in Washington’s affairs

Novgorod-made FPV drone Prince Vandal causes $300 mln damage to NATO

Earlier, the CEO of the research and production center Ushkuynik, Alexey Chadayev, said that the drone for the first time would begin to be manufactured in several regions of Russia

Trump's election victory was the greatest political comeback in US history — expert

According to Bill Boerum, "Trump’s return to power has numerous extraordinary elements of endurance, surprise, and bravery"

Trump sworn in as 47th US president

The inauguration ceremony was held inside the Capitol Rotunda, for the first time in the past 40 years

TikTok back to US, Washington to own 50% — Trump

"The United State will do what we call a joint venture, and there is no risk," US president-elect said

Slovakia to veto assistance to Ukraine due to Zelensky’s decision to block gas — senior MP

Tibor Gaspar added that Ukraine should treat Slovakia "as a trusted partner and assistance should be mutual"

Russian forces in final stage of liberating Lugansk region, expert says

Right now, Russian troops are fighting to liberate the remaining Kiev-controlled settlements in the republic

News report says control of Ukrainian troops fell into chaos in Krasnoarmeisk area

Earlier, Ukrainian journalist and former Defense Ministry adviser Yury Butusov said the military leadership had lost the ability to control the situation near Krasnoarmeisk and the village of Velykaya Novosyolka

US President Donald Trump signs his first executive orders at the White House

He said that the security of the country would be the main focus of his foreign policy

Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from Paris Climate Agreement again

US president did this in the presence of his supporters at the Capital One sports and concert complex in Washington

Trump calls Alexander Ovechkin 'great player'

US president-elect siad it during the rally at the Capital One arena in Washington - the home arena of NHL’s Washington Capitals team that Alexander Ovechkin plays for

Trump promises to reduce inflation, boost energy resources production

"The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency," Donald Trump stated

Generative AI can bring BRICS+ countries up to $600 bln by 2030

According to analysts, in 5 years the full economic impact of the implementation of generative AI models in the economies of the association’s countries may amount to $0.9-1.4 trillion

Lavrov says US thinking about reinstating military presence in Afghanistan

The top Russian diplomat said he was referring to the policies of the outgoing US President Joe Biden’s administration

There is significant chance Trump's efforts on Ukraine will bear fruit — expert

According to senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations Charles Kupchan, that objective is desirable, but a settlement will be much more difficult to achieve than a ceasefire